A FEW MOMENTS LATER
ZAVIER
The village didn't disappear when we left, that was the first problem. It just stayed behind us visible and watching.
"I do not like being watched by architecture." Ben said.
"It's not architecture." Leo replied. "It waved."
"I SAW THAT-" Riko panicked.
We moved deeper, or the forest moved us. It was hard to tell. The elder walked ahead, slow, steady, like he had all the time in the world which was suspicious. Adam stayed close, too close.
"You are hovering." I said.
"I am protecting." He replied.
"You are breathing on my neck." I added.
"I am monitoring your condition." He said.
"YOU ARE BEING WEIRD." Riko whispered loudly.
"He is being territorial." Leo corrected.
"I AM LEARNING THINGS I DID NOT ASK FOR." Riko added.
Adam ignored them, still watching everything especially the trees and me. Ben adjusted his glasses.
"You are overcompensating." He said to Adam.
"I am acting appropriately." Adam replied.
